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Soundcheck

Friday, July 25, 2008
  • Katy
    (katy.perry/flickr)

    Crowning 2008's Song of the Summer

    Every summer, one song seems to blast from every beach radio, car stereo, and block-party boombox around the city. Blender editor at large Lizzy Goodman joins us to crown this summer’s biggest jam. Also: Singer-songwriter Brendan James went from a check-out clerk at Urban Outfitters to a favorite of Carly Simon and other stars. He joins us to perform live.

    Cast your vote for the song of the summer - and watch clips of the contenders here.

Soundcheck's Summer Song Poll

Every year, popular and critical opinion somehow converge to settle on a "summer song." In 2007, it was Rihanna's "Umbrella." The year before, it was "Crazy" by Gnarls Barkley. The practice stretches back to the very dawn of pop radio. Yet defining the essence of a "summer song" is a bit elusive. We enlist the help of Blender editor at large Lizzy Goodman -- and of our Soundcheck listeners, in an online poll.

Cast your vote: Soundcheck's Summer Song Poll 2008

Can't decide? Check out audio and video clips of the contestants here.

Our blog: John Schaefer asks what makes a good summer song,

50 Years of Summer Songs

Brendan James Live

Just a few years ago, singer-songwriter Brendan James was a struggling artist without a record deal or even a piano. But while working nights as a clerk at Urban Outfitters, he began sneaking into hotels like The Plaza, where he'd begin playing the piano - sometimes for 3 or 4 hours at a time. Now, James has a major-label record deal and friends in high places. He joins us to tell the rest of his story - and perform live.

Brendan James' MySpace page

The Swell Season in The Greene Space

Soundcheck

Joshua Bell in The Greene Space

Soundcheck